Raisins, Apricots, and Figs Drive Revenue Growth Despite Volume Decline
Turkiye’s export revenue from seedless raisins, dried apricots, and dried figs has exceeded $1 billion, reaching $1.007 billion before the end of the season. According to a statement from the Aegean Exporters’ Associations, Turkiye, a world leader in the production and export of these dried fruits, saw an 8% increase in export revenue compared to the same period last season. This surge in revenue was achieved despite a 12% decrease in the export volume, which dropped from 328,000 tons to 290,000 tons.
The rise in export revenue, despite the decline in volume, is attributed to a 22% increase in the average export price per kilogram in dollar terms. In the 2022/2023 season, the average price was $2.84 per kilogram, which rose to $3.46 in the 2023/2024 season. Mehmet Ali Işık, President of the Aegean Dried Fruits and Products Exporters’ Association, highlighted that the average export price of seedless raisins increased from $1,692 to $2,248 per ton, resulting in a 19% increase in foreign currency earnings despite an 11% decline in volume.
Işık also noted that the export price of dried figs increased from $4,240 to $5,458 per ton, marking a 29% increase in added value. The average export price for dried figs reached $6,431 per ton in the past week, with expectations to exceed $6,500 per ton by the end of the season. For dried apricots, the average export price rose by 13%, from $6,027 to $6,785 per ton.
The export season for these products began on September 1, 2023, for seedless raisins, August 1, 2023, for dried apricots, and October 6, 2023, for dried figs.
Source: AA / Prepared by Irem Yildiz